Dealing with Property Disrepair
Property disrepair can impact your health, safety, and legal rights. This guide outlines what counts as disrepair, how to report it, your landlord’s responsibilities, and the steps to take if they fail to act. Know your rights and how to escalate properly.
1. What Counts as Disrepair?
Common examples include:
- Damp or mould
- Broken heating, hot water or electrics
- Leaking roof, gutters or windows
- Structural problems like subsidence or cracked walls
- Unsafe stairs or flooring
2. Legal Duties of Landlords
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must keep the structure and exterior of the property in repair and ensure installations for water, gas, electricity, and sanitation are safe and functional.
Since 2020, under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act, your landlord must also ensure the home is fit to live in at the start and throughout the tenancy.
3. Reporting the Disrepair
Notify your landlord or letting agent in writing. Be specific and include photos, dates, and a clear explanation. Use our free Repair Request Form to get started.
4. What If They Don’t Fix It?
If there’s no response after 14 days:
- Send a second, more formal complaint
- Contact the local council’s Environmental Health Team
- Use our Disrepair Complaint Letter to escalate
The council may inspect and issue enforcement notices.
5. Legal Action and Compensation
If the disrepair has caused health issues, inconvenience, or damage to belongings, you may claim compensation. Start by submitting your case through our Start a Claim form.
6. Emergency Repairs
For emergencies (e.g. no heating in winter, gas leaks), report immediately. If your landlord fails to act, contact your council or use your rent to pay for repairs (known as "rent deduction remedy") — but only with legal advice first.
7. Need More Support?
Our legal team can help. Visit our Legal Question Page or access help via the Legal Support Hub.
